Vlonca, usually called Vlon, has spent the better part of her space years aching to get off the only home she's ever known, the space ship Phennox. Her mom has always prevented it, but now she's dead, so she can't stop Vlon from joining the Population Exchange. Her baby brother binding himself to her choice is just the beginning of the surprises she encounters. Will being the strongest empathic person around be helpful or her downfall? Tiger was born on Thare, a dying planet that turned to space in search of a place to continue living. He was chosen for second in command because of his knowledge in farming and survival training. His little brother is the only family who was able to make the journey with him. The Tharian Ship, Maiden Explorer, is shocked when their first encounter with alien life forms is the Largest Space Dock around, and hundreds of other life forms are there. When the two younger brothers meet they become instant friends, and the four of them become locked in a situation that seems to get more complicated by the moment.